Kansas City / Tampa Bay Prospects

by BoristheSpider on Apr 17, 2006 8:29 PM EDT

When does everyone think that the massive overhaul will begin. Justin Huber should be up within the month the way he is hitting the ball. Alex Gordon may be up by the all star break. Billy Butler's production has dropped, yet he should be on track soon. Then if they can get Greinke back on track and perhaps one more pitcher, they might be a decent team. Thoughts?

Then there is Tampa Bay. They are so loaded in the outfield. Can they please trade Gathwright or Gomes for pitching. I would love to see Dukes, Young, Bankston and Upton come up. Is there any way to move Cantu to third and Upton to 2B?

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my thoughts

KC - they have always been rotten on development of pitching. At least in the last 10 years or so. Also, they pick too many downhill aging vets. Someone mentioned they are looking ok for small market team. Their salary is always midmarket. Terrible managed but at least the drafting has been solid last few years.

TB - it is difficult to trade their excess so early. I assume they tried in spring but most teams delude themselves that they are ok. In a month or so there should be real opportunities to trade Gathright, Huff, and a few others. Lugo will be easy to deal. IMO - they will only trade him if they are blown away. Until BJ is ready. Then they will ask fair value. Until then why?

I think some key guys come up this year. Next year will be a test for them. And in 2008 is when they will be in the situation Toronto is in now. (finding out if they can really compete with the big boys)

by pedrophile on Apr 17, 2006 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

Gathright

Not sure I can think of any teams that would suddenly become contenders if they had Gathright in center, I have a feeling they'll get rid of him as soon as they stop asking for an Olsen in return.

Rios is the next Juan Gonzales, thats right, I said it.

by KaoticKlown on Apr 17, 2006 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

Olsen

Doesn't hurt to ask for right now, does it? Could be they're waiting on Jim Bowden's next gaffe; it worked for Cristian Guzman....

by MontrealMets on Apr 18, 2006 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Gathright and the Nats

You know what, I was thinking that Jim Bowden might pursue him as well. I am not nearly as down on Gathright as others. I think he could be a poor man's Juan Pierre. But he could patrol CF well and may give them their best leadoff option, assuming Frank Robinson doesn't go Terry Francona on us and put, say, Nick Johnson in the leadoff role (ha).

by toonsterwu on Apr 18, 2006 4:15 AM EDT reply actions

Gathright

A lot of people's knock on him before was that he wasn't getting on base enough to be a leadoff man. SO far this year, his isolated patience is a lot more in line with his minor league numbers, and his bat hasn't warmed up yet. Even if he has a .370 SLG, a guy who plays above average center field, gets on base around 40% of the time and is disruptive on the basepaths can be a pretty valuable player...

"If there wasn't nine guys out in the field, I'd have a hit every time except when I strike out." - Delmon Young

by Brickhaus on Apr 18, 2006 8:09 AM EDT reply actions

KC Prospects

I agree that some of these guys should be up, but the point of the Royals offseason was to give everyone an extra year.

If the Royals thought Huber was ready, they would not have signed Doug M. at first. He is keeping 1B warm while Huber develops further.

I do not think management knows for sure what they are going to do about Butler's lack of a position. He is a DH, but Sweeney is occupying that spot. Glass has already vetoed a deal where the Royals would have traded Sweeney so I am not sure that a trade is the answer here.

I also don't think Royals management has decided what to do with Gordon's position. Is he going to transplant Teahen or move to the OF?

These guys may come up later this season, but I do not think promotions are imminent nor do I think that all three will see significant ABs in the majors this season.

Just my thoughts.

by count sutton on Apr 18, 2006 9:38 AM EDT reply actions